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Christ’s College
Canterbury
24
Art History
YEAR 12
Status:
Optional
Prerequisites:
This subject begins in Level 2.
There are no prerequisites
though an interest in art and in
history and ability in written
language are useful. There is
no need for practical artistic
ability; an interest in art is
sufficient.
Periods per week:
Five
Description:
Art History is a high interest subject which
studies different cultures and periods of time by
examining the art and architecture which they
produced, the artists who made them and the
society for which they created them.
It is a useful subject to gain a deeper
understanding of history, society and culture
and is very helpful to boys intending careers in
architecture, art and design, tourism or museum
studies.
Art History can be studied at Levels 2 and 3 and
at many New Zealand and overseas universities.
Even if the subject is not studied beyond school
level it will, for most students, provide the
foundation for an interest for life.
Art History teaches visual analysis, research skills,
historical knowledge, interpretation, information
analysis, writing skills and critical thinking. Visual
literacy is a key to many areas of study today.
In Level 2 we focus on the area of study Towards
Modernism which examines European art in
the 19th century from Neo–Classicism to Post–
Impressionism and Art Nouveau. We look at the
changes in society and art brought about by the
French Revolution and the Industrial Revolution
and the impact these changes made to painting,
sculpture, architecture and design.
Assessment
The following achievement standards are assessed:
AS 91180
Examine the effects of formal elements of art works.
(4 credits – external)
AS 91181
Examine the meanings conveyed by art works.
(4 credits – external)